Section 12 of Public Order Act invoked in relation to planned public procession in Glasgow

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said:

"I have authorised officers to use powers under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986 to prevent this procession going ahead on the grounds of public safety and to minimise disruption to the local community.

"Police Scotland’s priority is always public safety and this decision was taken as a last resort after careful consideration of the potential impact of a planned counter-protest.

"Decisions about how to police protests require consideration of complex and often competing rights and issues.

"The guiding principles of policing protests are the safety of protestors, the public and police officers involved, preventing criminal behaviour or disorder and deescalating tensions."